From the IUSA

In response to IDS Editorials, specifically “IUSA, unopposed” by Kelly Fritz:

The IUSA elections process is one of the most publicized annual events on campus. It has been for decades.

While the Election Commission was able to extend the application deadline for the second time this past week, there was by no means a shortage of information or opportunity for tickets to form their own administrations and run against the current ticket, Movement for IUSA.

This year, the IUSA Congress passed an Elections Code three weeks before last year’s administration and delayed the election by another three weeks, giving prospective candidates an additional six weeks to consider forming a ticket.

But, as Fritz pointed out, it is “only” student government, mind you.

A campus without student government would dissolve many IU staples that both students and faculty truly value.

A campus without student government would not have an SRSC or have access to free campus buses.

A campus without student government would not have free student legal services or access to free subscriptions for newspapers such as the New York Times and USA Today.

A campus without student government would not have enacted Hoosier PACT, which has already saved student lives.

A campus without student government would not have unanimously passed the Indiana Lifeline Law.

A campus without student government would not be able to financially support hundreds of IU’s student organizations.

A campus without student government would be a much different IU, mind you.

And it does matter who is running for this esteemed leadership role. The leadership of the executive branch of the student government represents four individuals who are stewards of nearly $100,000 of student fees.

This monetary figure represents every single student’s personal investment in the administration, and without proper leaders to decide how this money should be allocated, dollars are simply wasted.

So the question must be asked: If people were unprepared and not motivated enough to formulate a ticket, regardless of the mass amounts of advertising and the extension of the application deadline two times, would you want such students to fill this leadership role?

The claim of a “lack of diversity” to describe the current administration only reflects physical characteristics and extracurricular social engagements.

Diversity is not based on skin color, gender or a student’s hometown. Diversity within the context of the Indiana University Student Association means breadth of experience and the contribution of differing perspectives.

The superficiality of the standards mentioned in Fritz’s column do not adequately reflect the requisite traits of a successful IUSA executive.

These leaders must be tenacious, persistent in their efforts to implement meaningful projects on campus and willing to sacrifice extensive amounts of time.

One year ago, IUB students noticed that a change must be made with their representation, resulting in 4,811 IU students voting for the Big Six administration and making it the largest student election in Big Ten history to implement change. This speaks volumes.

Equally as loud is a student body not running against a previously successful group nor complaining publicly of the work that has been accomplished in the past year.

It takes a great deal to offer yourself to the criticism of the public eye to improve our University, but it takes significantly less effort to critique the flaws within IU’s system without actually offering solutions and fighting for change.

Instead of condemning the organization or those who are genuinely passionate about improving our University, implore others to become equally as excited to take on the challenge of seeking these offices, a right every student possesses.

­Justin Kingsolver, IUSA student body president
Kevin Courtney, IUSA student body vice president
Megan Lillie, IUSA chief of staff